Nikon Earth & Sky spotting scope?

[ed dixon]

Anybody have any experiene with these? I'm again debating spending some money on a spotting scope a bit better than the Bushnell beater I've been using. Not ready to go that $600+ route into the big Kowas, et al. but may go up toward $300 or so. Low end, I was considering the Burris Landmark. Otherwise, I'm looking at the Nikon, the small (50mm) Kowas, and maybe the Bushnell Spacemaster. The Spacemaster gave some impressive results on that Snipercountry.com field test.

Also, if I go with the Nikon, I was thinking of starting with a 20X or 25X fixed eyepiece. If that proves enough for me (200 or so yards), I'll stick; otherwise, I can lay out some bucks later for the variable eyepiece with 15-45X.

Is better, brighter glass with a 20X or 25X actually more useful than a lower-quality variable?

Also, why exactly is the 45-degree viewing angle preferred?

(All suggestions appreciated. I know this comes up a lot and I've read the TFL archives -- "you get what you pay for," etc.)

 

[Swamp Yankee]

I have the Nikon with the 15 X 45 eyepiece. It's a very well made scope. I have no complaints. Can check .22 caliber holes at 200 yards no problem. Little tough at 300 need to use Shoot N See stick ons with the targets to get good viewing. With .30 caliber pretty decent even at 300 yards.
As for durability, I've bounced mine on the concrete twice, (not recommended but cold fingers will do that), and it's as good as the day I bought it.
A lot of the members at the range use the Burris or Leupold Wind River and say only good things about them.
Take Care

 

[ed from pa]

Nikon Earth & Sky Spotting Scope

/Ed, you won't go wrong getting this scope, i have the 20/45/60 objective scope. I paid $279.00. It comes with the slik tripod, and soft case. Nikon has one of the best warrantys, and terrific customer service.

ed from pa